“When a horse you have loved becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.”
This quote by an unknown author is quite fitting when describing Donna Rosciti’s mare, Scotches Old Gold. Rosciti and Scotch had a very special relationship, and, unfortunately, the beloved mare was euthanized last week due to complications associated with colic surgery.
“I believe there is one great horse that comes into our lives, one that wins your heart, gets the ribbons and becomes your equine soul mate,” a heartbroken Donna told GoHorseShow. “For me, that great horse was Scotches Old Gold. She gave me trust and her heart and I gave her mine. She was that comfy pair of slippers that fit me perfectly. I would like to thank Carl Yamber for giving me the opportunity to own this great mare and my family for making it possible.”
Rosciti adds, “Together, Scotch and I learned and became an incredible team, and I am devastated in losing her. I know I will never have a horse like her again. Her babies have many of her traits and will carry on her legacy.”
The 1995 sorrel mare was considered one of the best offspring of the great stallion, Zippos Old Gold, and was out of Cotton Scotch who was by Scotch Bar Time. She was bred by Pattie Beamon Lundell of Houston, Texas. Over the years, the mare was owned by Rod Webb, Cindi Wenger, Ann Webb, Jessica Griffith, and her last owners, the Rosciti Family of North Scituate, Rhode Island.
During her successful career, Scotch amassed over 600 points in western pleasure, halter, showmanship and horsemanship. The mare placed in the Top 10 at the AQHA World Show in the western pleasure and was a multiple Regional Experience Champion in the western pleasure. She was shown in the Open Division by 21 people including top trainers
Gretchen Mathes, Carl and Trish Yamber, Gene Spagnola, Wade Black, Brett Clark,
Dean Bogart, Steve Reams, Matt Gouthro, TR Potts, Kim Myers and Troy Green.
Many in the industry followed Donna’s daily Facebook updates about Scotch’s status and were cheering for her recovery. Scotch underwent colic surgery on October 30, and for the following weeks, gave many hope that she would recuperate. (Pictured right is Donna and Scotch at the vet on November 14th.) Donna fought hard for Scotch’s survival before she made the difficult decision to put her down.
We send our deepest condolences.
